UN rights experts urges Sudan to fight impunity and release detainees
May 21, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The UN independent expert on the human rights situation in Sudan Aristide Nononsi expressed concern over the state of press and religious freedoms in the country and urged the government to lift immunity enjoyed by perpetrators of crimes.
On Thursday, the independent expert concluded his first official visit to Sudan since assuming the post in which he visited Darfur and met with officials from the government, national organizations, human rights groups and judicial bodies.
“In all my meetings with the government I received assurances of cooperation and goodwill to take steps towards the implementation of recommendations of former [UN] experts,” he said.
Nononsi pointed out that domestic and external funding is needed to execute public awareness initiatives and the empowerment of human rights.
He said many of IDP’s he met, in the states of North and South Darfur expressed concern about the security situation in their original areas that prevent them from returning.
The expert pointed out that the key to resolving ongoing disputes and improving the human rights situation is through providing a conducive environment through political interaction between all parties and putting an end to impunity for violators of international human rights and humanitarian law.
“In this regard, I urge parties concerned to put the interests of Sudanese people first and to return to the negotiating table to resolve outstanding differences in order to achieve regional peace and stability. I also encourage the government to continue its efforts to put an end to immunity for the perpetrators of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law,” he said.
“In my discussions with the special prosecutor for Darfur crimes we agreed on a serious commitment to end impunity concerning crimes committed in the region and I promised to return for further discussions,” he added.
He also voiced concern on the security and humanitarian situation in IDP camps and said he plans to visit other regions to expand his knowledge of conditions there and to offer a more comprehensive evaluation.
Nononsi implored on UN peacekeepers and the government alike to provide a safe environment for the IDP camps and for all parties to guarantee flow of aid.
On freedoms, Nononsi said he received reports of restrictions on political rights including the rights of expression and assembly and formation of private organizations in the period before the general elections held last April.
“I still receive reports of prolonged detention of people without access to legal representation or their families,” he said.
He said he was concerned about reports of the trial of Darfur students and their arrest along with the detention of two pastors from South Sudan accused of espionage.
The independent expert urged the government to respect political rights and freedoms as set out in the transitional constitution and to allow the Sudanese people to exercise their rights freely. He also called on the government to release all detainees or charge them with crimes and punishi them in accordance with law.
He said that he discussed with the government the need to ensure freedom of the press with particular reference to the use of the National Security Act and restrictions imposed on the press, including the closure of newspapers and the arrest of journalists and confiscation of newspapers.
“I raised this issue with government officials as a legitimate concern that the government needs to put into account given the importance of the freedom of expression and the press for the promotion and protection of human rights in a democratic society”.
(ST)